Running through a narrow alley, puddles of water splashing with every step. Trying to get away from the screeching that kept getting louder, and louder. As violet flashes jumped from the inky darkness surrounding him, sharp claws outstretched, and beady eyes glistening. Nipping at his body, driving him forward, towards what he didn't know. With his heart beating like it wanted to break out of his chest. He tripped; slamming into the cold hard ground, breathe knocked from his body, as thousands of small violet-colored rats descended on him.

Letting out a scream, I woke up; clasping my chest as beads of sweat dripped from my forehead. I said, “Kyle you're fine, it's just a bad dream to much change in such a short period.”

Nocking came from the door to my room, the voice on the other side said, “Kyle are you okay? My names Liana, I'm here to pick you up to go to breakfast, and to meet your mentor.”

Coughing, I said, “Yes, I'm fine, I just woke up from a bad dream that's all. One second I'm coming.” Wiping the sweat from my brow, and fixing my disheveled hair as best I could, I made my way to the door. Walking out into the hallway, as I crossed the threshold; my dirty clothes disappeared, replaced by a long grey robe, with a matching badge on the left side of my chest.

I noticed that the rest of the crowd of students standing behind Liana wore the same outfit.

Silently counting, looking over the crowd of students. Smiling, Liana said, “Hmm, that seems to be all of you, please follow me.”

Walking through the elegant hallways of Eden; walls lined with varying pieces of artwork, following behind Liana. After walking down two flights of steps, walking past an open garden area. Pausing, looking over the garden area, smiling. Liana said, “It might not seem like it now, but this is where most of our students go when they're on break. I remember when I was a student, it was my favorite place to go to read.”

Entering a Huge room, with arcing windows the only source of light. Several round table sat in the center of the room, with just enough chairs for each student. Sitting in a row, in front of the three circular tables sat nine men and women in black robes. I noticed the headmaster sitting in the center.

Smiling at us as we made our way to the tables, the headmaster said, “Good morning students, please take a seat. Once you're finished with breakfast we’ll get to introduce you to your mentors. Who will be your mentors, for as long as your students at Eden.”

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Shortly after sitting down next to Madison, and Alfred, everyone finished their food.

Finishing the last of the juice in my glass. Turning to Madison, I said, “Hey, I just wanted to thank you without your help, that scraper would have finished me off.”

Laughing, Madison said, “Anytime, what are friends for. If not to get you out of a tough jam when you need it.”

Sputtering out a laugh, Alfred said, “You should know from experience. How many times have I had to clean up a mess you made.”

Sticking out her tongue at Alfred, Madison said, “Ha, well that just proves my point.”

As the headmaster stood up behind his table, the mentors following his lead.

In a dry tone, He said, “Now that everyone has finished their meal let's get to the fun part of this morning, shall we? First, let me say welcome to Eden; our motto here is to strive not to be perfect, but to always grow, to never be satisfied with what has been, but to learn, and implement what could be. Never take knowledge, and wisdom at face value, there are thousands of ways at looking at something. Who knows maybe your perception of something just might make the difference in solving the unsolvable. ”

Turning to the group of mentors, the headmaster said, “Do any of you have anything you would like to say before claiming your students.”

All the mentors shook their heads, in unison they said, “No headmaster.”

Standing with the other students, feeling my clammy palms, wet from nervousness. I couldn't help but be worried, what if my mentor didn’t like me. I’d be stuck with this person that didn’t like me, the whole time I was a student.

Looking over the students, The headmaster said, “Why don't you all call your charges names, and then get acquainted.”

As one name after another was called, and the group of students dwindled. I was struck with a thought what if I wasn’t chosen by a mentor, was that even possible. My nerves had my stomach in knots, it was killing me, I regret eating earlier. Finally, I was the only one left standing alone, without a mentor. Just as the panic was setting in, full swing. A shadow form appeared next to the headmaster.

Filling the room with pressure, a smoky-voice said, “Sorry, I'm late headmaster, I had some business to take care of.”

The shadows slipped off the figure revealing a tall black-robed figure; with blue-toned skin, that glistened from the light streaming in from the windows.

Smiling, the headmaster said, “It's fine, you made it just in time Desmond, we just finished separating the students.”

Gliding towards me, black robe rippling like smoke. Smiling, Desmond said, “You must be kyle than, I've heard some interesting things about you.”